Folks, the week of July 27 brought us a sneak peek at hot devices coming later this year, from the Note 4 and the Xperia Z3, to the Moto X+1 and the Galaxy Alpha. Next up, Xiaomi launched its latest beauty, Google issued updates to many of its apps, and Nvidia introduced the ultimate gamers’ tablet. We finished with a bang, with a possible first report of a Nexus device made by Motorola.
At AA HQ, we’ve rolled out a few changes to the design of the website, and work continues behind the scenes for more good stuff coming by the end of the summer. Let’s take a look back!
Android Authority this week
New hero menu
If you visit our homepage, you’ll find our new hero menu greeting you at the top. It’s similar to the old menu, but we’ve tweaked it to look better and to make it easier to swipe between stories. Here you’ll find our Featured stories, which range from opinions, to really important news pieces, to versus comparisons, reviews, and more. We hope you like it!
Database incoming
In addition to our forums, there was another big component that we long felt we needed in order to make Android Authority truly the one stop destination for all things Android – a full product database. We want to give you just more than spec sheets, however. The database will integrate with product pages, which will act as hubs for your favorite devices, and there will be review integration and tools you can use to dig in the database and compare devices based on factors like price, battery life, or availability on your carrier.
Forum launch
We’re getting closer to the grand opening of our forums. There are still a couple of big things to sort out, including the integration of forum comments on site posts (don’t worry, Disqus will still be available) and the launch of our merchandise store, where we plan to offer all sorts of AA and Android-themed apparel, mugs, and the like. After that, we’ll be open for business!
Next week
Yours truly will be off for a little vacation starting this Tuesday, but the show will go on, just as usual. Andrew Grush will be in charge, so expect a change of voice for the Android Authority this week segment from next Sunday.
As we’re entering August, look out for more details about the Moto X+1 and the Moto 360 to trickle out over the next days and weeks. The Note 4 and the Galaxy Alpha are coming up around the corner, and we’ll definitely keep an eye out for them.
We’ve completed our OnePlus One giveaway spree, and now we’re moving on to another device that we know you love, the Nexus 5. Make sure to enter Sunday Giveaway!
The stuff you shouldn’t miss
Here’s some of our most interesting content this week, perfect for some weekend reading:
- Opinion: Steve Martinez thinks Android Auto will change driving and he makes a pretty good point
- Feature: From camcorders to alarm clocks, here are 10 of the technologies that smartphones killed
- Law: House votes phone unlocking legalization bill
- Recommendations: Thinking about buying a phone? Get some crowdsourced buying advice here
- Moonshot: Google’s new moonshot could one day save your life
- Roundup: The Note 4 is coming, here’s everything we know so far
Video roundup
Jayce summarizes the week in his popular video roundup:
Top news of the week
And here are the top news in the Android world this week:
Note 4 is in the starting blocks
- Samsung knuckles down to confront financial woes, set to go all out with the Note 4
- Yet another report claims Note 4 will be available in early September
Google apps updates
- Google Play Store updated to v4.9.13, introduces Material Design and other improvements
- Google Maps adding new contextually aware Explore button
- Google adds Offline Games collection to Google Play
- Chrome Beta 37 arrives, bringing Material Design changes and more
- Google Voice website now supports calls via Hangouts
- Google Maps adding new contextually aware Explore button
Is this the Moto X+1?
Here comes the Mi 4
- Xiaomi Mi 4 official: metal frame, great specs, 8MP front camera, wood back covers
- Xiaomi Mi Band is a $13 fitness band, can also securely unlock your phone
Gamer’s delight
Look, it’s the Alpha
The next Z
- Sony Xperia Z3 reportedly packs nearly identical specs to Z2, at least on paper
- More images of the Sony Xperia Z3 emerge
Shamu!
Report: Nexus 6 may be Shamu, a 5.9-inch device built by Motorola
Sound off
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Happy Sunday!
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